Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Fine China, A Fellow Blogger & Serendipity!

A few months ago, I stumbled upon an incredible blog called Affordable Accoutrements, which is written by an amazingly gifted decorator, collector, and writer named Bill, from Tennessee. Not only does Bill have a large, beautiful home filled with lovely antiques, he also has an enviable china, silver, crystal and glass collection. As you might imagine, his tablescapes will knock your socks off! Perfection!

Bill lives in a part of the world (i.e. the south) where a committed collector like him can find lots of lovely old (and new) china. On the other hand, I'd been looking for a set of china forever and could find nothing I liked...until I saw Bill's set of Concorde by Theodore Haviland (made in America), which is shown off in this stunning tablescape (the solid white/cream set):
I mentioned to Bill in a couple of emails that I was in love with the Concorde and asked him some questions about it. And this is how generous he is - he came across a partial set on a weekend antiquing jaunt to Missouri, wrote down the prices and emailed me!

After connecting with the lovely shop keeper, who runs Pastimes Antiques, I have received the first small shipment of my very own Concorde, including the coffee pot, creamer and sugar bowl:
Isn't this beautiful? I just love it. I am not typically a gold fan, but I had a few odd pieces of scalloped Limoges with gold trim, and found that they really brightened up my table. The gold seemed to make big occasions feel more special with their glow. It may be a while before I set a table like Bill, but I'm off to a good start!
Serendipitously, while I was talking about Bill in Tennessee, David came upon the idea of making a civil war trip there! So we've decided to visit Tennessee in late September, for another civil war trip (he's a major civil war junkie). This follows last fall's Virginia road trip and David's solo Gettysburg trip.

The great part about the road trips is that I get to go antiquing while David walks in battlefields. I might get to visit Bill, but if not, I definitely hope I can get a list of his favorite antique shops!! Thanks Bill!

13 comments:

  1. what a wonderful story about connections. isn't it amazing how we are able to strike up a conversation through our blogs, a conversation that leads to finding a treasure (like your china or a new friend!)

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a great story and what a sweet thing for Bill to do! Your china has such graceful, elongated lines. Very nice choice, Terri...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hmmm. I'm not a china person but I have to say I really like that. It's not fussy and stuck up. It's really approachable. And, who knows, it might even make brussels sprouts taste good!

    ReplyDelete
  4. hi terri,

    what a cool story and i love the china. you are so lucky to get to go to tennessee. i want to go to nashville SO bad. that's where jack white's headquarters are. i figure i can stalk him in person instead of just virtually.

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Terri,

    How did you get so sweet??? I'm pleased (relieved!) to hear that the coffee set arrived safely! I've enjoyed getting to know you via blogging and look forward to hearing more about your trip to Tennessee. Wouldn't it be fun if we got to go to an estate sale together while you're in the area?

    Bye for now ...
    Bill

    ReplyDelete
  6. Steve,

    No, brussel sprouts would still not taste good unless a lot of melted cheese were involved.

    Terri

    ReplyDelete
  7. wonderful! lovely greetings

    http://design-elements-blog.com/

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great post, wonderful china...coffee will be so amazing served out of your new coffee pot. hehe I think I need an invite to test the new set...ok just kidding

    ReplyDelete
  9. Those pieces are beautiful Terri! The bloggin world is such fun isn't it?!! :)
    Hugs~
    T

    ReplyDelete
  10. It's absolutely beautiful - so classic!

    When I picked my china 19 years ago (I can't believe I have been married almost that long), I picked a pattern that is very clean lined, with white, gold, and dark indigo. I still love it to this day - classic rules!

    I am embarrassed to admit that I have never really used my china much, because it is packed in dish protectors. In the new house, it will not be in dish protectors - it will be in a china cabinet, available for use whenever I feel like it!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Terri,
    I LOVE your new china and the story! What amazing and thoughtful people you met...over dihes!

    Too funny about you husband and his battlefield obsession...mine is the same...totally history buff!
    xo,
    ~R

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow Terri, I love the china set you're starting to collect. It looks antique, yet also looks like something that could have been designed in our day and age too. Very versatile and elegant.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Anonymous5:23 am

    Thanks a bunch for sharing thiѕ with all fоlks you actually knоw what you're speaking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly also consult with my website =). We may have a hyperlink alternate contract between us

    Feel free to visit my site: diet programs comparisons
    Also see my web site > vancouver hcg weight loss

    ReplyDelete